While the hot and humid months of summer might be the ideal time for afternoons at the beach or splashing in the lanai pool, they are less than idyllic for our skin. According to the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) startling statistics, more than 2 million Americans are at risk of developing skin cancer every year. Fortunately, ACS reports that most cases involve the two rarely fatal forms of skin cancer—basal and squamous cell carcinomas. Because leading dermatology experts suggest that these cancers are strongly related to sun exposure over time, it is important to begin protecting the skin with sunscreen from an early age in order to diminish the sun-induced incidence of actinic keratosis—rough, scaly patches of skin that are considered a precancerous condition for squamous cell carcinoma.

The sunlight that warms our body and makes our skin glow is made up of two types of rays—long wave ultraviolet A (UVA) and short wave ultraviolet B (UVB). UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis, the skin’s thickest layer. UVB rays generally burn the superficial layers of the skin and play a key role in the development of skin cancer. The intensity of UVB rays varies by season, location, and time of day. Peak hours are 10 a.m. to 4 pm.

Although the market in sun care products is thriving, it is important to take note that discretion should be used in any purchase of high SPF products and common sense should be applied. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) notes that consumers tend to misuse high-SPF products that lull them into a false sense of security. They stay in the sun longer and overexpose themselves to UVA and UVB rays. Although a high-SPF sunscreen may prevent burning, the cumulative exposure allows for more subtle damage.

Following these EWG suggestions and using SPF-rated sunscreens, moisturizers and lip products rated between 30 and 50 can further decrease the risk of exposure:

Wear clothing. Shirts, hats, shorts and pants shield the skin from the sun’s UV rays, reducing risk by 27 percent.

Plan around the sun. Go outdoors in early morning or late afternoon when the sun is lower in the sky.

Find shade or make it. Picnic under a tree or take a canopy to the beach. Keep infants in the shade, reducing the risk of sunburn by 30 percent.

Don’t get burned. Red, sore, blistered skin means we’ve gotten far too much sun.

Sunglasses are essential. Not just a fashion accessory, sunglasses protect our eyes from UV radiation.

Don’t block sunshine completely. Daily exposure of 20 minutes is good for us, boosts our vitamin D levels and improves our mood.

Doreen DeStefano is an esthetician, registered nurse and the owner of Integrated Skin Care, 6700 Winkler Rd. Ste. 2, Fort Myers. For more information, call 239-425-2900, email [email protected] or visit IntegratedSkinCare.net.